The Moment That Stirred the Storm
Tebogo G. Mashego, best known for his hit “Biri Marung,” recently made headlines after a dramatic turn in a public spat with two heavyweights in the South African music scene: DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri. Following a viral video in which Mashego claimed he was owed R23 million by Scorpion Kings, he released a follow-up addressing the backlash—and offered an apology.
In the clip that caught fire on social media, he addressed the two DJs directly: “I apologise for swearing at DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri. I’m only apologising for swearing,” he said. But he also added that beyond his choice of words, he still stood by his other grievances, citing “2Woshort are byao” (meaning “2Woshort say so”).
What Led to the Apology
This is not the first ripple involving Mashego in recent weeks. He had earlier posted emotionally charged videos from Nigeria claiming he was trapped there and asking fans for contributions to fund his return to South Africa. That plea drew attention across Mzansi, and DJ Karri even stepped in, reportedly buying him a plane ticket home.
While in Nigeria, Mashego alleged mistreatment by promoters and hinted at broken promises. But in his apology video, he clarified: he was sorry for his harsh words but was not retracting his other statements.
The Fallout on Social Media
Once the apology video hit platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram, the reactions poured in. Some applauded the humility—“he’s swallowing pride for respect,” one user commented. Others took a more sceptical view: “Sorry for the swear words only; nothing else changes?” read a reply.
Others poked fun at the timing or mood, saying Mashego was trying to do damage control after losing ground. And then there were those who saw shades of a mental breakdown in the mix, given the emotional nature of the previous Nigeria posts.
Tebogo G Mashego apologies to Dj Maphorisa & Dj Karri…and he still stand with “2Woshort are byao” pic.twitter.com/ugCYcNBcDo
— THE AUDIO LAB (@TheAudioLabSA) October 15, 2025
Behind the Headlines: Why This Matters
In South Africa’s fast-moving entertainment landscape, clashes between artists and producers are rarely just about money. They also touch on questions of power, respect, and reputation. When a newcomer accuses giants like Maphorisa, the stakes are high.
Mashego’s apology is a dance between accountability and preserving one’s narrative. He’s admitting fault in part but refusing to retreat entirely. That balance—or imbalance—often tells us more than the apology itself.
In the local context, public apologies by artists usually carry weight beyond personal reconciliation—they signal industry alignment, brand safety, and career survival. A misstep can ripple into cancelled gigs, lost collaborations, and reputational damage.
What Comes Next
The ball is in the court of DJ Maphorisa and DJ Karri now. Whether they accept, reject, or counterrespond could shape the next chapter—for Mashego and for the conversations about respect, fairness, and power in the Mzansi music space.
For now, Tebogo Mashego has offered a partial olive branch. But he’s also made clear he won’t back down from the broader issues he raised.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Youth Village